The purpose of this study was to analyze the efficacy of silicone gel
sheeting in the treatment of fresh and long-standing hypertrophic and
keloid scars. All subjects applied the gel sheeting in the same fashio
n and wore it for twelve to twenty-four hours per day for at least two
months. After at least six months' followup, twenty of thirty-six (56
percent) chronic scars were improved. Eleven of fourteen fresh hypert
rophic scars (79 percent) did not recur after surgery during a similar
follow-up period. Side effects were minimal. Silicone gel sheeting is
safe and effective treatment for hypertrophic and keloid scars. The m
echanism of action is not completely understood.